By Tom Bastek
The Apple Watch is moving forward at a great rate of speed with thousands of apps already available for it and more and more accessories coming out each and every day. Starting today however, the phone now works as a door key, too. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has introduced the SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) App for Apple Watch.
“We’re committed to mobile and digital innovation and are excited to be the first hotel company to let guests check in and open their hotel room door with their Apple Watch,” said Mark Vondrasek, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Loyalty and Partnership Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “In today’s mobile world, people increasingly expect their technology to help them do whatever they need on the spot. Apple Watch allows us to engage with our guests and give them the information they need instantaneously in a simple yet extremely stylish way. ”
The watch is more than just a door key though. It is designed to anticipate and respond to the in-the-moment needs of guests throughout the resort experience. Guests can receive directions in both their language and the native language of the county they are visiting upon arrival to their destination. The app also provides transportation options and estimated costs.
The guest’s confirmation number and reservation details are displayed on the watch for ease at check in and for the guests that are registered for SPG Keyless, they can bypass the front desk all together (where available).
The app also shows the guest’s upcoming stays and dates, their Starpoint totals, offers level acheivement congratulations, and will eventually be available in Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish languages.
The keyless entry has been available since November of 2014 via the SPG App for Smartphone, but adding the Apple Watch is taking this to a whole new level.
“We know guests expect service and convenience in the palm of their hand and now it’s available at the flick of the wrist,” added Vondrasek. “Member response to SPG Keyless has been terrific and grows every day as we continue to roll out this functionality around the globe.”
Over 100 hotels across the Starwood brands currently offer the keyless service. There are more than 130,000 SPG members in 130 countries have registered for SPG Keyless.
Steele Luxury Travel
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